Ophthalmic Lens With Embedded Dimmer for Adjustable AR Transmittance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing artificial reality devices lack integration of scalable and robust dimming technologies with custom prescription lenses, limiting their dynamic range and adaptability for ametropic users.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an ophthalmic lens with an embedded dimming device, featuring adjustable transmittance through electrically or non-electrically tunable dimming materials, such as photochromic or thermochromic materials, between two lenses with non-flat surfaces, controlled by a dimming device with electrode layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a head-mounted display is made transparent for AR/MR applications, then the user can view the surrounding real world environment, but the device lacks effective dimming capability to adapt to different lighting conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different lighting conditionsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ophthalmic lens and dimming device into a single integrated unit. The dimming device is positioned between the first and second lenses within the lens assembly, merging two previously separate functions (vision correction and dimming) into one unified component, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ophthalmic lens assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vision correction through the lens elements and enables dynamic dimming control through the embedded dimming device. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate devices, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dimming technology is integrated with custom prescription lenses, then dynamic range and adaptability for ametropic users are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for ametropic usersVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The dimming device is divided into distinct functional layers including electrode layers and dimming material layers, allowing each component to be manufactured and optimized independently before assembly. This segmentation enables specialized manufacturing processes for each layer while simplifying the overall integration process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dimming device structure nests multiple functional layers within each other, with electrode layers positioned on opposite sides of the dimming material. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated unit, reducing manufacturing steps and simplifying assembly while maintaining the complex functionality needed for ametropic users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Illumination intensity

If an ophthalmic lens with embedded dimming device is used, then adjustable light transmittance is achieved, but the lens structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable light transmittanceVSAvoidlens structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dimming device utilizes thin film structures for the electrode layers and dimming material, allowing these complex functional elements to be integrated into the lens assembly with minimal impact on the overall structural complexity. The thin film approach enables adjustable transmittance while maintaining a relatively simple lens geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables adjustable light transmittance for enhanced user experience in VR, AR, and MR modes, providing vision correction and dynamic dimming, suitable for ametropic users, and supporting seamless transitions between modes.

Implementation Method 1

the dimming material includes an electrically tunable dimming material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

the dimming material includes a non-electrically tunable dimming material. In some embodiments, the non-electrically tunable dimming material includes at least one of a photochromic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotochromism: Photochromism

Data Source

PatentEP4359851B1Waveguide based display with ophthalmic lens having embedded dimmer

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A

AI summary

An ophthalmic lens is provided. The ophthalmic lens includes a first lens having a first flat surface and a first non-flat surface. The ophthalmic lens also includes a second lens having a second flat surface and a second non-flat surface. The ophthalmic lens also includes a first electrode layer disposed at the first flat surface and a second electrode layer disposed at the second flat surface. The ophthalmic lens also includes a dimming material disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and configured to provide an adjustable dimming effect.